At least one police officer reportedly died on Thursday during an attack on the security details of Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu in Benin, Edo State.
The gun battle, captured in a viral video seen on X by SaharaReporters, allegedly occurred between gunmen, identified as members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), and the deputy governor’s convoy.
Shuaibu’s media team confirmed the incident in a press statement dated July 18, 2024. The statement reads:
“The Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, escaped an assassination attempt on his life in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday afternoon. The attempt on the life of the deputy governor and other VIPs, including supporters at the Benin Airport to receive him, occurred at the Airport exit gate roundabout, near Faith Mediplex. The attack, carried out by state-sponsored thugs and members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), involved sporadic shootings that caused the crowd to flee for safety from stray bullets.
“Security officers intervened to rescue the situation, forcing the state-sponsored thugs and local vigilantes to flee and allowing the crowd to reconvene. Unfortunately, one brave police officer, attached to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was with the deputy governor’s convoy, lost his life in the attack. Several officers and supporters were also wounded,” the statement added.
Attempts by SaharaReporters to reach the Edo State Police Command for a reaction to the incident were unsuccessful, as their phone number could not be reached despite several attempts by the correspondent.